New Grad: Hard to Choose Between 2 Job Offers

Published May 12, 2017

Career Columnist / Author

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Nurse Beth,

I am a New Grad RN (BSN). I obtained my RN license in March 2017 (last month) and have two job offers that I just am having such a hard time to choose one between two. Could you please help me? :)

Both hospitals have good reputation among the community and the employees. Their compensation and benefits are about the same. I will name the hospitals #1 and #2. #1 hospital offers me a Neuro/Transplant unit RN Residency program (11 weeks) and they don't have mandatory obligation for an extended contracts after that. It seems that they are very confident with what they offer. #2 hospital offers me IMCU/ICU unit RN Residency program and requires minimum 2 years of commitment at the same unit after the residency program. Both are night shifts.

The reason I can't really make the decision is because of the Neuro/Transplant unit offer and also the fact that there isn't 2 years of commitment after the residency program at #1 hospital. However, I really wanted to start my RN career as an ICU nurse so #2 hospital is very tempting.

What should I think and consider to make this decision wisely?

Dear Hard to Choose,

Congrats! Two offers right after graduation! That's wonderful. Can I ask what area of the country you live in?

You have two excellent offers and you really can't go wrong with either choice.

But...it sounds like your heart is in the ICU. If it were me, I'd go with the ICU offer. It seems the only thing holding you back is the 2 yr commitment.

Commitment/contract or not, you'd probably stay at your first entry-level nursing job one to one and a half years, minimum anyway, right?

As a matter of professional behavior. So you're only talking a few months difference, which is nothing in the long-term perspective.

I wouldn't let the two year commitment keep you from starting your career as an ICU nurse. It's a fair requirement. After 2 years, you will be free to go anywhere and you'll be very marketable.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth